Unfortunate: ROdgers said Sterling had every right to be out six days before a game

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has leapt to the defence of Raheem Sterling after the winger was spotted in a nightclub on his return from international duty.

Little more than 24 hours after the 19-year-old complained of tiredness to England manager Roy Hodgson, and was subsequently withdrawn from the side to play in the European qualifier against Estonia, Sterling was seen out until the early hours.

But Rodgers attempted to deflect the media glare on his young star, suggesting it is 'unfortunate' he can't enjoy himself six days before Liverpool were due to play QPR. The former Rangers man returned to Loftus Road on Sunday and showed no sign of fatigue as he inspired the club to a second successive Premier League win.

And Rodgers told reporters Sterling's partying is a non-story and revealed the England international continues to work hard during training.